How to treat inflammation of the lower ribs?

Answered by: Prof Suneet Sood | Consultant Surgeon, Malaysia

Q:Please let me know why the lower part of my diaphragm pains. If I sleep on my stomach I feel comfortable and then the pain, which is right at the point where the two lower ribs meet, subsides and I sleep well. In my house, as a rule, they keep objecting that I should not sleep on my stomach.

A:You have not written how long you have had these problems. The most likely cause for your symptoms is an inflammation of the lower ribs, a condition called costochondritis. However, there may be other causes, and it is difficult to tell without examining you. It should be safe for you to sleep in any position, but you need to be guided by the physician who has examined you.